Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is a cadet-run leadership development elective whose purpose is to motivate young people to become better citizens. JROTC focuses on teaching leadership, citizenship, fitness, personal finance and life skills through hands-on activities and practical application.

As they progress through the program, cadets are given real responsibility and gain tangible leadership experience by leading their peers. Cadets occupy positions such as squad leader, platoon sergeant or company executive officer, all the way up to Battalion Commander in charge of the entire program of 150 cadets. 

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JROTC also offers optional extracurricular activities for motivated cadets to compete against other schools at county and statewide tournaments. These extracurricular teams include Drill, Rifle Marksmanship, Color Guard, JROTC Leadership / Academic Bowl, and Raiders. 

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Sarasota High JROTC ranks in the Top 5% of JROTC programs in the country, and is an excellent opportunity for motivated students looking to strengthen an application, learn useful skills, or take on a challenge.  

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In addition, two years of JROTC waives the mandatory HOPE credit and three years fulfills the Performing Arts graduation requirement. And while JROTC is NOT a recruiting program and cadets are under zero obligation to join the military, cadets who enlist may be eligible for rank increases upon completion of basic training. SHS JROTC cadets are also eligible to compete for many local, state, and national scholarships, and each year our cadets win thousands of dollars to put towards higher education.